# data[].attributes.headline
Top tips to improve your mental wellbeing

# data[].attributes.subject
Top tips to improve your mental wellbeing

# data[].attributes.body
We all need good mental health and wellbeing – it's essential to living happy and healthy lives. Here are 7 areas of life where simple changes can make a big difference. Why not start today?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What is good mental health?

Looking after your mental health is not something we should just do if we are struggling, or feeling low, anxious or stressed. It's actually something we should think about all the time and really invest in, just like with our physical health.

Staying on top of our mental wellbeing is good for us now but also helps us deal manage difficult times in the future. Over time, it can also reduce our risk of physical health problems.

There are lots of things we can do to look after our mental health and wellbeing every day - make a start with these 7 top tips.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Top tips to improve your mental wellbeing - Every Mind Matters

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Good mental health is essential to living happy and healthy lives. See 7 areas of life where simple changes can make a big difference. Why not start today?

# data[].attributes.headline
Mental health and self-care for young people

# data[].attributes.subject
Mental health and self-care for young people

# data[].attributes.body
There's loads of things we can all do to look after our mental wellbeing, and taking any time you can for self-care is massively important.

Knowing what steps we can take to support our mental wellbeing can help us feel better, sleep better and have better relationships with the people around us – and that goes not just for today but for the future too.

Check out our videos for all sorts of tips on exercise, sleep and how to take care of yourself on social media.

You will also find links to more support for specific groups of people who may be finding things tough, have additional needs, or are facing a specific issue.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Get support

If you're struggling with your mental health, or you're worried about one of your friends, there are lots of organisations and charities that offer help specifically for young people.

Support from charities

The Mix has a free, confidential telephone helpline and online service that aims to find you the best help, whatever the problem.

Shout 85258 provides free, confidential, 24/7 text message support in the UK for anyone struggling to cope. They can help with issues including suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, abuse, self-harm, relationship problems and bullying. Text "Shout" to 85258 to speak to an empathetic, trained volunteer who will listen and work with you to solve problems.

If you're under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline. The number will not appear on your phone bill

Support from the NHS

You can find more information about NHS children and young people's mental health services (CYPMHS) on the NHS website. You can also look at your local Clinical Commissioning Group website.

Alternatively, most services also have their own website with information about access, referrals (including whether you can "self-refer") and contact details - try searching in your area for "CYPMHS" or "CAMHS" (children and adolescent mental health services, an older term used for some CYPMHS).

You can also talk to an adult you trust - for example a parent, carer, teacher, social worker or GP - and they can look into this for you.

Struggling with student life

On top of all the usual thoughts, feelings and worries that are part and parcel of student life, the changes brought about because of COVID-19 - and the possibilities of a lack of face-to-face learning and needing to self-isolate due to outbreaks at uni - mean there's lots going on right now that might be tough to deal with.

It's a totally natural reaction to a difficult situation, and there's plenty of help available if you think you or someone you know needs it.

Find out more about student life during COVID-19 and where to get support:

Help for problems during coronavirus (COVID-19)

Some of us have faced really hard times recently. It can feel like no one can help, but there are lots of organisations out there to support you through:

Barnardo's has also set up the See, Hear, Respond support hub - a dedicated service to help children, young people and their families or carers with problems caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Support for different groups

There are lots of organisations and networks who provide advice and support for specific groups. It can help to connect with other young people and supporters who understand where you are coming from:

If you have learning disabilities or you are autistic, this may have been an especially difficult time for you. Here are some resources that might be useful:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Self-care tips videos for young people - Every Mind Matters

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get support If you're struggling with your mental health, or you're worried about one of your friends, there are lots of organisations and charities that offer help specifically for young people. The Mix has a free, confidential telephone helpline and online service that aims to find you the best help, whatever the problem.

# data[].attributes.body
Feeling different from usual or noticed a change in your behaviour? Find out about some common feelings and mental health symptoms, how to cope, and where to go to get help.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Help With How I'm Feeling | Mental Health Advice | YoungMinds

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you're feeling a difference in your mood or behaviour, it's okay to ask for help. Find out about common feelings and where to get mental health support.

# data[].attributes.body
Feeling low is a part of all of our lives at some stage. Everyone feels upset, sad or disheartened from time to time, but for some of us it can be a real problem.

The good news is that there are things you can do to improve your mood.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Feeling low may cause someone to stop doing the things they like, cut themselves off from loved ones or have difficulty sleeping. Other signs include feeling:

sad

worried, anxious or panicked

tired

less confident

frustrated, irritated or angry

A low mood should lift after a few days, but if it lasts longer than about 2 weeks, it may be a sign of depression.

Some physical illnesses can cause depression, so it's important to rule out possible physical causes or side effects from any medication you are taking.

If you're having thoughts that life's not worth living, or you're self-harming or thinking about doing so, it's important to tell someone. You do not have to struggle alone - urgent help and support is available right now if you need it.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Feeling low may cause someone to stop doing the things they like, cut themselves off from loved ones or have difficulty sleeping. Other signs include feeling: sad worried, anxious or panicked tired less confident frustrated, irritated or angry A low mood should lift after a few days, but if it lasts longer than about 2 weeks, it may be a sign of depression.

# data[].attributes.body
Anxiety is often described as a feeling of fear or unease – and it’s something everyone experiences at times. Feeling anxious is a perfectly natural reaction to some situation​​s.

Anxiety can help us to focus or take extra care when needed, but if it gets too much or goes on for a while, it can affect our daily life.

Luckily, there are ways to deal with anxiety that really work, and spotting the signs of anxiety is the first step.

Find out about common symptoms of anxiety, possible reasons for it and what to do when you’re anxious. Plus sign up for our anxiety-easing email ​​programme to get expert advice on dealing with anxiety.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Anxiety can affect our mind, body and behaviour, for instance we might feel tearful, get stress headaches, or start avoiding things or people that trigger anxiety.

Common symptoms of anxiety include:

feeling tired, restless or irritable

feeling shaky or trembly, dizzy or sweating more

being unable to concentrate or make decisions

trouble sleeping

worrying about the past or future, or thinking something bad will happen

headaches, tummy aches or muscle pain

dry mouth

pins and needles

noticing your heartbeat gets stronger, faster or irregular, or you get short of breath when you start feeling anxious

If you cannot tell if shortness of breath is from ​​anxiety or if you are worried about any other symptoms, see a GP.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out about common causes and symptoms of anxiety. Plus get tips on dealing with anxiety and a personalised plan of self-care tips tailored to you.

# data[].attributes.body
Suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the UK and, figures from 2015 show that 75 percent of suicides were male. While in September it was announced that suicide rates amongst men in the UK are at their lowest for 30 years, a lot of work still needs to be done to combat this massive problem.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sam Fender | Dead Boys | Changing the record on mens mental health